The Razer Kraken V3 X are entry-level wired gaming headphones. They have a similarly simple design to the Razer Kraken X but now feature customizable RGB lighting on the ear cups and a USB-A connector rather than a standard 1/8" TRRS connector. They don't offer many extra features other than their design and surround sound support. Although they're compatible with Razer Synapse software, you won't be able to tweak their very warm and dark sound profile as it doesn't offer any EQ settings. On the upside, their flexible boom microphone does an excellent job of recording your voice, and it can separate speech from moderate ambient noise decently well.
Our Verdict
The Razer Kraken V3 X are inadequate for neutral sound. They have a very warm and dark sound profile, and even though they're compatible with Razer Synapse software, they lack an EQ or presets to help tweak their audio reproduction. Also, they're very prone to inconsistent bass and treble delivery, which can vary depending on the headphones' fit, seal, and positioning.
- Decently comfortable.
- No EQ or presets.
- Very prone to inconsistent audio delivery.
- No music or call controls.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are poor for commute and travel since they're not built for this purpose. They're decently comfortable but have a USB-A connector, so you won't be able to use them with your smartphone if you don't have an adapter. They also don't block out much rumble from bus or plane engines and have a bulky design, which can make it difficult to take them with you on the go.
- Decently comfortable.
- Poor noise isolation.
- No music or call controls.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are disappointing for sports and fitness. They're not suitable for this purpose as they're bulky and don't have a very breathable design. They also lack an IP rating for water resistance, although we don't currently test this, and they only use a USB-A connector, so you won't be able to use it with a smartphone unless you have an adapter.
- Stable fit.
- Decently comfortable.
- Very prone to inconsistent audio delivery.
- Mediocre breathability.
- No music or call controls.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are poor for office use. Although they're decently comfortable, and others around you shouldn't hear their audio leakage in a moderately noisy environment, they struggle to block out ambient chatter. They also use a USB-A audio cable, which shouldn't be too much of an issue if you're using them on your PC, but you won't be able to connect them to your smartphone unless you use an adapter.
- Decently comfortable.
- Very prone to inconsistent audio delivery.
- Poor noise isolation.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are wired gaming headphones and can't be used wirelessly.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are alright for wired gaming. They're decently comfortable, lightweight, and have customizable RGB lighting on their ear cups, which some users may like. They also use a USB-A connector, which ensures low latency on PC, PS4, and PS5 consoles. Their flexible boom mic does an excellent job of recording your voice, even in moderately noisy environments, and they're compatible with Razer Synapse software, which allows you to access their surround sound feature. However, the software doesn't offer a lot of extra features, like an EQ.
- Boom mic delivers great overall performance.
- Decently comfortable.
- No EQ or presets.
- Very prone to inconsistent audio delivery.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are okay for phone calls. They have a flexible boom mic that does an excellent job of recording your voice so that your voice sounds clear, natural, and full-bodied. It can also separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you, although the noise is still present as you speak. Unfortunately, the headphones don't block out a lot of noise, which can make it harder to hear the person on the other end of the line.
- Boom mic delivers great overall performance.
- Poor noise isolation.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 19, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Apr 21, 2021: We retested and updated the companion software's macOS compatibility.
- Updated Apr 13, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Apr 09, 2021: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Razer Kraken V3 X come in one color variation: 'Black' and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussion section below and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Razer Kraken V3 X are entry-level wired gaming headphones that use a USB-A connector, which make them fully compatible with PC, PS4, and PS5 consoles. Unlike the Razer Kraken USB Razer Kraken X, these headphones also have customizable RGB lighting. However, they have a very warm sound profile, and their companion software lacks sound customization features like an EQ or presets, unlike some other simply-designed gaming headphones, like the Logitech G432.
Check out our recommendations for the best gaming headsets under $100, the best PS4 gaming headsets, and the best gaming headsets.
The Razer BlackShark V2 X are somewhat better gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken V3 X. The BlackShark V2 X are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. Their boom mic also offers better overall performance, and they have a 1/8" TRRS cable, so you can use them on Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. However, the V3 X have customizable RGB lighting.
The Logitech G432 are better wired gaming headphones than the Razer Kraken V3 X. The Logitech are more comfortable and have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer. They also have a graphic EQ and presets available in their companion app, and come with a couple of different audio cables, so you're able to connect via analog or wired USB to PC, PS4, and PS5 with full compatibility. Their boom mic has better noise handling too. You can also use them with Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles with full compatibility via an analog connection. However, the Razer's boom mic has a better recording quality.
The Razer Kraken V3 are better than the Razer Kraken V3 X. While both headsets are decently comfortable, the V3 are significantly better-built, have a more balanced sound profile out of the box, and have more robust virtual soundstage features. Their boom mic also offers better noise handling, and their companion software offers more customization features like a graphic EQ and presets. Ηowever, the V3 X's boom mic has a better recording quality.
The Razer Kraken V3 X are very similar headphones to the Razer Kraken X. Both headphones have the same alright build quality, although the V3 X are somewhat lighter. However, the X have a better-performing boom mic and use a 1/8" TRRS cable, so you're able to connect them to PCs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X consoles via analog. However, the V3 X use a USB-A connector, so they're only compatible with PCs, and PS4 and PS5 consoles.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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